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GAME DAY PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: Khris Middleton set for return in preseason finale

Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Damian Lillard might play their first game together in Milwaukee’s preseason finale.
Matthew Dugandzic|
© Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

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Milwaukee BucksMemphis Grizzlies

The Milwaukee Bucks will end their preseason campaign on Friday night, with veteran shooter Khris Middleton expected to suit up. Middleton disclosed that he expects to play when the Bucks take on the Memphis Grizzlies at the Fiserv Forum.

“Yeah, as of right now, definitely like I’ll be out there playing tomorrow. I don’t know how long, how many minutes, but I do expect to be playing, which is exciting for me,” Middleton told reporters after the team practice on Thursday.

Recovering well from surgery

The Bucks have gone to 2-2 in the preseason, with Middleton failing to suit up in all of those games. The three-time All-Star underwent a minor arthroscopic procedure shortly after the Bucks’ shock first-round playoff loss in the previous season.

Khris said he is recovering well from the clean-up procedure. He expressed confidence that he would be available when the regular season opens next week.

“Been making great strides, a step in the right direction each day, So definitely, don’t think, you know, if something happens, if I don’t play tomorrow, I’ll still be on track to play the next game. Hopefully, just keep continuing that way,” Middleton said.

The Bucks are looking to end the preseason on a high note after they lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night, 101-124.

Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with a solid double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds, but his All-Star teammate Damian Lillard was a non-factor in the loss. Lillard scored just five points on 2-for-11 shooting from the field in the defeat.

Milwaukee and Memphis face off for the second time in this exhibition period, with the Grizzlies winning in their first duel, 108-102. The Grizzlies are also 2-2 in the preseason.

Injury report

Jae Crowder, Bobby Portis Jr., and Brook Lopez are listed day-to-day. The trio didn’t play against Oklahoma for rest purposes.

Ja Morant (suspension), John Konchar (personal), and Brandon Clarke (Achilles) are out for the Grizzlies. According to Drew Hill of The Daily Memphian, Marcus Smart is expected to play in the preseason finale against the Bucks.

Adrian Griffin is not concerned as Khris Middleton remains sidelined in training camp

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.